30 April 2011

Moscow, The Russian Federation -- During a global health conference on non-communicable diseases held this week in Moscow, Russia, John R. Seffrin, PhD, American Cancer Society chief executive officer, talked about the importance of civil society in addressing the growing global burden of cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes. Dr. Seffrin’s full remarks are available at this video link at 6:41. http://tinyurl.com/3dvfmk2

28 April 2011

Moscow -- John R. Seffrin, PhD, Society chief executive officer, will participate in a first-ever global health ministerial conference on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Moscow, Russia, being held from April 28-29.

The ‘First Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and NCD Control’ will address challenges presented by the rising global epidemic of NCDs, including cancer. On April 29, Dr. Seffrin will participate in a roundtable discussion on civil society and social mobilization. He is invited to address how the United States can help move the NCD agenda forward globally, and address challenges as well as opportunities for cancer prevention worldwide.

During the conference, 600 stakeholders and 150 thought leaders are expected to address the implementation of measures that exist today, so that millions of deaths can be prevented. These include policies that promote government action against NCDs: stronger anti-tobacco controls and promoting healthier diets, physical activity, and reducing harmful use of alcohol; along with improving access to essential health care. This conference will serve as a precursor to the United Nations High-level Meeting on NCDs that will take place in New York in September 2011.

WHO Global Status Report on NCDs

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading killer globally and are on the increase, the first World Health Organization (WHO) global status report on NCDs, launched on April 27, confirms. In 2008, 36.1 million people died from conditions such as heart disease, strokes, chronic lung diseases, cancers and diabetes. Nearly 80% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Click here to read the full report: http://tinyurl.com/42fl7g9<>

The report sets out statistics using global, regional and country-specific data to document the enormity of the problem, project future trends, and assess the risk factors contributing to these trends. The epidemic NCDs is driven by forces in every region: demographic aging, rapid unplanned urbanization, and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles. While many chronic conditions develop slowly, changes in behaviors are occurring with a stunning global speed

Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or 17 million people annually, followed by cancer (7.6 million), respiratory disease (4.2 million), and diabetes (1.3 million).

These four groups of diseases account for around 80% of all NCD deaths, and share four common risk factors:

25 April 2011

New York City — In a move that affirms cancer as a major development issue and creates a strong precedent for including the disease on the global health agenda, the United Nations (U.N.) urged member states to take action to address cancer. The Resolution of the United Nation’s 44th session of the Commission on Population and Development includes robust language and political commitment toward improving global cancer control. As part of the April 11-15 session entitled “Fertility, Reproductive Health and Development”, members of the Commission on Population and Development recognized women’s rights to access quality health services.

The resolution also advanced a health agenda addressing breast and cervical cancer:

“OP15. Urges Member States, with, when needed, the appropriate technical and financial support from development partners, to design and implement national cancer control plans and strategies that encompass prevention, early detection, treatment and palliation of cancers of the male and female reproductive systems, especially prostate, breast and cervical cancers, and to strengthen existing health services and health systems to increase the capacity to detect these cancers at earlier stages and allow prompt access to quality treatment;”

The American Cancer Society was instrumental in advocating for women’s cancers at the Commission on Population and Development through raising awareness about the global cancer and non communicable disease (NCD) burden among U.N. missions and by holding the first-ever United Nations’ side event on women’s cancers: “No women left behind in the fight against NCDs: towards health services that address breast and cervical cancer”. This side event was led by the permanent missions of CARICOM and the Republic of Malawi, as well as PAHO and UNFPA, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the Forum of African First Ladies Against Breast and Cervical Cancer and PATH. U.N. leadership and supporters at the side event aimed to build momentum for the U.N. High-level Meeting on NCDs this September. Together, these organizations made a strong case for addressing women’s cancers as a key component to promoting global health and development.

The Resolution’s inclusion of women’s cancers represents an enormous step forward in addressing these diseases through national strategies that ensure access to prevention, early detection, treatment and palliation. The Society congratulates members of the 44th Commission on Population and Development, the global health leadership of the Brazil mission, and the chairmanship of the 44th Session by Ambassador Brian Bowler of the permanent mission of the Republic of Malawi.

The Society has been a leading advocate of women’s cancers through its work supporting National, Regional and Global advocacy and cancer planning efforts in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

The Society urges multilateral institutions, donor agencies, governments, the private sector, health experts, civil society organizations, and the general public to make cancer control a priority for women’s health, broadening their attention to the burden of women’s cancers and supporting cancer interventions that complement and integrate women’s health priorities. The U.N. High-level Meeting on NCDs in September -- championed by CARICOM -- represents an unprecedented opportunity to bolster the commitment to women’s cancers set by the Commission on Population and Development Resolution.

15 April 2011

New York City — The American Cancer Society Global Health Programs led the first-ever side event at the United Nations (U.N.) on April 13 to address women’s cancers and NCDs (non-communicable diseases). Participants encouraged U.N. policy makers to prioritize women's cancers at the High-level U.N. Meeting on NCDs in September 2011. NCDs – cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease - represent a global health, economic, and development issue. Their impact on women deepens health and gender inequities between and within countries and have a profound effect on individuals, households, and communities. Women worldwide are affected by, and at risk for, mortality from cancers that are largely preventable and treatable, including cervical and breast cancer.

Madam Callista Mutharika, First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, Incoming Vice Chairperson, Forum of African First Ladies against Breast and Cervical Cancer

Dr. Karen Sealey, PAHO/WHO Special Advisor served as moderator. (center)

More than 200 people attended, including civil society, healthcare professionals, academics and representatives from more than 30 U.N. Missions.

The meeting marked the release of "Progress in Cervical Cancer Prevention: The CCA Report Card. Cervical Cancer Action." This new report by Cervical Cancer Action, assesses global readiness to fight cervical cancer using new approaches and new technologies, especially in regions where the disease is a common killer. It underscores the urgent need for the global community to prioritize cervical cancer prevention and control on global health and development agendas.

The American Cancer Society collaborated with the Permanent Mission of the Member States of the Caribbean Community, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Malawi, the U.N. Population Fund, PATH and the African Forum of First Ladies against Breast and Cervical Cancer.

•Cervical cancer is central to the emerging cancer pandemic in low- and middle-income countries.

•The number of lives lost to this preventable disease is a global failure of the largest scale given all we know about preventing, detecting, and treating cervical cancer.

•Cervical cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, and the leading cause of cancer death in Africa and Southeast Asia in 2008. That year, cervical cancer caused an estimated 275,100 deaths.

•Ninety percent of these deaths occurred in developing parts of the world, where access to screening and treatment are often non-existent and adolescent girls are not receiving vaccination for the human papilloma virus (HPV), the primary risk factor for cervical cancer.

•The HPV vaccine can prevent up to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, and cost-effective procedures are available to detect and treat cervical pre-cancer.

To redress the rise in cervical cancer, the Society has spearheaded programs in India, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The ACS aims to promote public awareness about cervical cancer, educate health professionals, and improve access to screening. Throughout the year, the Society collaborates with PATH and the Cervical Cancer Action Coalition with a shared goal of preventing cancer globally.

•Breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer death for women worldwide in 2008. That year, 458,400 breast cancer deaths were recorded despite the disease being largely treatable through early detection.

•There were an estimated 1.4 million new breast cancer cases in 2008.

•Breast cancer mortality over the past 25 years has decreased in some North American and European countries due to early detection through mammography and improved treatment; in contrast, mortality rates are climbing in many developing countries given a lack of access to affordable treatment and early detection. Source: Global Cancer Facts & Figures, 2nd edition

One of the ways the American Cancer Society supports women is by developing advocacy and capacity-building in low- and middle-income countries. Latin America is a case in point. Across the region, the Society has partnered with 70 organizations working in breast cancer control. Additionally, the Society launched a Pan-American cancer network and co- founded a regional breast cancer advocacy coalition. In Brazil and Mexico, ACS pioneered a patient navigator program offering valuable information about breast care and treatment.

• Review the burden of these diseases in Africa and present the initiative of the First Ladies Forum

• Highlight available cost-effective interventions and demonstrate the feasibility of strengthened health systems

• Highlight the impact on individuals and households

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease - represent a global health, economic, and development issue. Their impact on women deepens health and gender inequities between and within countries, and has a profound effect on individuals, households, and communities. Women worldwide are affected by, and at risk for, mortality from cancers that are largely preventable and treatable, including cervical and breast cancer. Cervical cancer is central to the emerging cancer pandemic in low and middle income countries. The number of lives lost to this preventable disease is a global failure of the largest scale given all we know about preventing, detecting, and treating cervical cancer. At the same time, the evidence for preventing breast cancer mortality makes this a similar avoidable catastrophe, and innovative approaches exist for screening and treatment in low-resource settings. Prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care can be integrated into existing health services to relieve the strain in lower- and middle-income countries and to make sure that all women and girls have a fair chance at full and healthy lives.

Addressing women’s cancers is relevant to the Commission on Population and Development’s 44th Session, focused on “Fertility, reproductive health and development.” This side event will shine a light on global best practices in breast and cervical cancer control and help build momentum for the September 2011 United Nations High Level Meeting on Non-communicable diseases.

• Moderator: Dr Karen Sealey, PAHO/WHO Special Advisor

•Opening remarks H.E. Ms Paulette Bethel, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United Nations, Chair of CARICOM

•Global situation of women's cancers: Challenges of prevention and control

08 April 2011

Manaus, Brazil — Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff announced this week the launch of a nationwide program for breast and cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

"I know from experience that cancer is curable when it is treated early," the president said. “I had cancer, it was detected early, and was cured. I want women to have access to the same things I did.”

In 2009, while working as chief of staff for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Rousseff was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The early detection of the cancer during a routine mammogram was key to her rapid recovery. Rousseff remained in her position while she underwent a four-month course of chemotherapy.

The government will invest 2.8 billion U.S. dollars (4.5 billion reais) for the new prevention and treatment program, designed to span a four-year period. Resources will strengthen primary care as well as the outpatient and hospital network of the Brazilian Public Health System. According to President Rousseff, the federal government will provide free mammograms in public hospitals as well as free cervical smear exams for all women aged 25 to 59.

Brazil has some 4,000 mammography facilities, with half located in public hospitals. Under the new program, 20 new centers specializing in breast and cervical cancer will open in Brazil's northern and northeastern regions, which are the country's poorest. In addition, all public hospitals will increase investment in cancer treatments. These plans support the Oncology Care National Policy created in 2005 and aim to promote information and awareness while improving the accessibility and quality of breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) aim to monitor mammography quality and efficiency using a special task force comprised of INCA, the Brazilian College of Radiology, and federal, state, and municipal health surveillance agencies.

The national program sets out to:

Roll out 50 specialized centers in underserved areas of Brazil, which will ensure timely treatment following presentation

Create 32 new specialized treatment centers in hospitals

Improve treatment infrastructure in 48 hospitals

Technical support, resources, and the development of specialized training centers for health professionals will all aid in the control of cervical cancer. Additionally, the new national program will promote cervical cancer screening practices, ensure the quality of examinations, and guarantee timely treatment under guidelines and recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

INCA has been a key collaborator of the American Cancer Society (ACS), and ACS has worked closely with INCA to encourage improvement in access to and quality of cancer care in Brazil, with a special emphasis on women’s cancers. ACS commends President Dilma Rousseff and the Ministry of Health for their commitment to breast and cervical cancer control.

For more information, click on the link bellow (in Portuguese): http://tinyurl.com/435cfm5

07 April 2011

Brazzaville, Congo — As the second day of the WHO-AFRO NCD Consultation meeting commenced on April 5, experts from five countries shared key examples of successful NCD interventions and initiatives which could be replicated throughout the region. Ann McMikel, director of strategic planning for the American Cancer Society Global Programs

There was also a round table discussion on the role of civil society and the private sector in NCDs prevention and control, which included representatives from UICC, ACS, NCDA, IDF, WHF and Africa Development Bank. Presentations and discussions focused on advocacy, public-private partnerships, opportunities for resource mobilization, and the innovative financing designed to address the African region's growing NCD burden, which accounts for 28 percent of deaths and is projected to increase 27 percent over the next 10 years. The meeting culminated in a draft declaration statement on NCDs for ministerial consideration.Dr. Luis G. Sambo, regional director of World Health Organization African Region

On April 6, the WHO-AFRO Ministerial meeting was opened by WHO-AFRO Regional Director Dr. Luis G. Sambo and was attended by 46 health ministers and their representatives. The event highlighted the historic importance of the UN High Level Meeting in September in NY, and the roll of participation by African Heads of State to ensure its success. After lengthy discussion and debate, the health ministers approved a Brazzaville Declaration on NCDs in preparation for the Moscow Ministerial Meeting on Healthy Lifestyles and the UN HLM. To address the regional and global NCD burden, the declaration calls for 18 key actions and commitments including partnerships, FCTC implementation, health system strengthening, strong civil society engagement, and alliances and networks at national, regional, and global levels.

04 April 2011

Brazzaville, Congo — In an effort to address the growing global burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the American Cancer Society is joining technical experts and Ministers of Health in Africa for a meeting in Brazzaville, Congo this week. The gathering marks the first African regional consultation on NCDs under the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss Africa's response to the growing burden of NCDs including cancer, diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart diseases. According to the WHO, NCDs claim more than 35 million lives each year and account for roughly 60 percent of all deaths worldwide, with a disproportionate number of fatalities occurring in developing countries.

The Brazzaville consultation will yield a regional NCD declaration to contribute to proceedings of the First Global Ministerial Meeting on Healthy Lifestyle and NCDs control scheduled for 28-29 April in Moscow, and the UN High-level Meeting on NCDs in New York City from 19-20 September 2011. At the New York summit, the UN will address cancer and other chronic diseases for the first time as part of a larger policy that recognizes the global NCD burden and outlines a clear plan of action for governments, the UN system, civil society, and development stakeholders.